Senior Survey results. Summary for Virginia Tech. Prepared by The Office of Academic Assessment June 2011

Transcription

1 Senior Survey results Summary for Virginia Tech Prepared by The Office of Academic Assessment June 2011 Undergraduate students intending to graduate in December 2010, May 2011 or summer 2011 were asked to complete a web-based survey soliciting their opinions regarding aspects of their experience at Virginia Tech. After an initial contact and three follow-up s from the Office of Academic Assessment, 1916 of students across the University returned completed surveys, resulting in a response rate of 36%. Typically response rates for this survey are between 42-48%; this year s temporary drop was due to new survey software we implemented. As you review the attached information, just a reminder that the quality of these data are dependent on the number of students responding, the response rate for your area, and the particular wording of each question. The survey provides only an overview of student perceptions and does not allow for in-depth probing that would lead to explanations behind those perceptions. Results, however, may indicate where to take a closer look in your department. As you review this information or have questions regarding the results or the survey process, contact Dr. Steve Culver, Associate Director, Office of Academic Assessment, sculver@vt.edu

2 1. The course work in my major department University Mean (SD) 1. was intellectually challenging 0% 1.% 2% 13% 46% 37% 5.15 (0.85) 2. required me to think critically 0% 1% 2% 10% 44% 42% 5.22 (0.85) 3. increased my understanding of my field 0% 1% 1% 7% 34% 58% 5.46 (0.75) 4. helped me become a better writer 2% 6% 12% 32% 28% 20% 4.37 (1.22) 5. helped me synthesize information from different sources 1% 1% 3% 20% 46% 29% 4.95 (0.92) 6. presented me with alternate points of view 1% 2% 6% 21% 44% 26% 4.84 (1.01) Note. n = 1916

3 1. The course work in my major department (Continued) University Mean (SD) 7. applied concepts learned in class to new situations 1% 1% 3% 18% 47% 31% 5.01 (0.90) 8. increased my understanding of ethical behavior 2% 4% 6% 26% 41% 21% 4.66 (1.09) 9. incorporated technology that enhanced my learning 2% 3% 8% 23% 36% 28% 4.70 (1.16) 10. increased my knowledge of technology 2% 5% 10% 23% 32% 27% 4.59 (1.25) Note. n = 1916

4 1. The faculty in my major department University Mean (SD) 11. set high standards for my learning 1% 1% 3% 16% 41% 38% 5.10 (0.95) 12. encouraged active learning 1% 2% 4% 16% 41% 37% 5.06 (0.98) 13. encouraged student-faculty interaction outside the classroom 14. provided opportunities for students to learn cooperatively 15. were concerned about student learning and development 16. were accessible outside of class 2% 5% 12% 29% 31% 20% 4.43 (1.20) 1% 1% 4% 21% 42% 31% 4.96 (0.95) 1% 2% 5% 20% 45% 27% 4.86 (1.01) 1% 1% 4% 20% 45% 29% 4.95 (0.93) 17. knew me as a person 3% 7% 12% 28% 28% 22% 4.37 (1.30) Note. n = 1916

5 2. When you had a question or needed clarification regarding an academic problem (e.g., what courses to take, graduation requirements, etc.) from which of the following resources were you more likely to seek an answer? (check all that apply) My official academic advisor 67% College or department professional advisor 35% College Academic Programs office 4% A faculty member in my major department 41% A faculty member outside of my major department 7% A staff member 14% University catalog 29% Departmental materials 36% Other students 58% Note. n= Total may be greater than 100% due to multiple responses.

6 3. Which of the following best describes your official academic advisor? A departmental undergraduate academic advisor 36% A faculty member in my major department 52% A faculty member outside my major department 1% A staff member 2% I don't know 9% Note. n= 1859

7 4. In the last year, how many times did you meet with your OFFICIAL academic advisor? None 25% One time 20% Two times 21% Three times 16% Four times 7% Five or more times 11% Note. n= 1859

8 5. In the last year, how many times did you have telephone or contact with your OFFICIAL academic advisor? None 26% One time 15% Two times 17% Three times 12% Four times 8% Five or more times 22% Note. n= 1859

9 6. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement regarding your OFFICIAL academic advisor. University Mean (SD) 1. I had adequate access to my academic advisor 4% 4% 7% 17% 34% 34% 4.75 (1.32) 2. My academic advisor was available when I needed help 3. I was given sufficient time with my academic advisor 4% 4% 7% 17% 32% 35% 4.73 (1.34) 4% 5% 9% 14% 33% 34% 4.71 (1.37) 4. My academic advisor provided me with accurate information about degree requirements and course sequencing Note. n = % 6% 9% 15% 30% 36% 4.66 (1.45)

10 6. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statement regarding your OFFICIAL academic advisor. (Continued) University Mean (SD) 5. My academic advisor was knowledgeable about the requirements needed to complete my degree 5% 5% 7% 15% 30% 39% 4.77 (1.39) 6. My academic advisor provided me with assistance selecting appropriate elective courses. 8% 8% 11% 17% 26% 31% 4.39 (1.57) Note. n = 1795

11 7. The course work in my second major department University Mean (SD) 1. was intellectually challenging 1% 1% 5% 14% 46% 32% 4.98 (0.99) 2. required me to think critically 1% 1% 4% 17% 42% 34% 4.98 (1.02) 3. increased my understanding of my field 1% 1% 3% 15% 35% 45% 5.17 (0.96) 4. helped me become a better writer 2% 7% 8% 25% 29% 28% 4.58 (1.28) 5. helped me synthesize information from different sources 1% 3% 4% 18% 45% 29% 4.91 (1.03) 6. presented me with alternate points of view 1% 3% 6% 17% 37% 35% 4.91 (1.13) Note. n = 275

12 7. The course work in my second major department (Continued) University Mean (SD) 7. applied concepts learned in class to new situations 2% 0% 3% 18% 44% 33% 5.00 (0.98) 8. increased my understanding of ethical behavior 2% 7% 8% 23% 33% 27% 4.59 (1.26) 9. incorporated technology that enhanced my learning 5% 7% 13% 23% 31% 23% 4.36 (1.38) 10. increased my knowledge of technology 5% 11% 14% 21% 30% 19% 4.18 (1.44) Note. n = 275

13 7. The faculty in my second major department University Mean (SD) 11. set high standards for my learning 2% 4% 5% 16% 41% 31% 4.84 (1.16) 12. encouraged active learning 3% 3% 5% 17% 36% 37% 4.91 (1.18) 13. encouraged student-faculty interaction outside the classroom 4% 3% 11% 23% 35% 24% 4.53 (1.28) 14. provided opportunities for students to learn cooperatively 2% 4% 4% 18% 40% 32% 4.87 (1.15) 15. were concerned about student learning and development 3% 2% 5% 19% 41% 31% 4.87 (1.12) 16. were accessible outside of class 2% 2% 4% 17% 44% 31% 4.93 (1.05) 17. knew me as a person 5% 5% 8% 25% 32% 25% 4.51 (1.34) Note. n = 275

14 8. From my experiences at Virginia Tech, I have improved my... University Mean (SD) 1. writing skills 2% 4% 7% 23% 40% 26% 4.72 (1.10) 2. oral communication skills 0% 2% 3% 16% 44% 34% 5.04 (0.93) 3. critical thinking skills 0% 1% 1% 10% 45% 43% 5.27 (0.80) 4. computer skills 1% 3% 7% 23% 39% 26% 4.75 (1.09) 5. understanding of ethical behavior 1% 2% 5% 24% 43% 25% 4.82 (0.99) 6. ability to retrieve information and resources to help solve a problem 0% 1% 1% 14% 45% 39% 5.19 (0.81) Note. n = 1709

15 8. From my experiences at Virginia Tech, I have improved my (Continued) University Mean (SD) 7. understanding of the cultural traditions that have shaped Western experience 3% 7% 11% 31% 32% 16% 4.31 (1.23) 8. knowledge of the interaction between tradition and innovation 2% 4% 10% 30% 38% 17% 4.46 (1.13) 9. ability to compare alternative theories about human society, culture, and behavior 2% 5% 7% 27% 38% 21% 4.60 (1.14) 10. understanding of patterns and processes that affect the relationship between the individual and society 2% 4% 8% 27% 39% 21% 4.59 (1.12) 11. ability to evaluate the credibility of, use and misuse of scientific information 1% 2% 6% 23% 42% 25% 4.80 (1.03) Note. n = 1709

16 8. From my experiences at Virginia Tech, I have improved my (Continued) University Mean (SD) 12. ability to describe methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge 1% 2% 7% 24% 43% 23% 4.74 (1.02) 13. quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills 1% 2% 3% 16% 44% 34% 5.01 (0.98) 14. understanding of fundamental principles of reasoning involved in mathematics or logic 2% 4% 8% 20% 39% 28% 4.72 (1.17) 15. understanding of the relationship between art and society 5% 9% 16% 29% 27% 15% 4.09 (1.33) 16. knowledge of classic works of fine and applied arts 6% 10% 17% 28% 25% 13% 3.96 (1.39) Note. n = 1709

17 From my experiences at Virginia Tech, I have improved my (Continued) University Mean (SD) 17. knowledge of different cultures and lifestyles 3% 5% 9% 28% 35% 20% 4.48 (1.22) 18. knowledge of environmental issues 2% 4% 8% 24% 35% 27% 4.67 (1.16) 19. ability to solve problems creatively 1% 1% 3% 17% 45% 33% 5.04 (0.91) 20. ability to lead people effectively 1% 2% 3% 17% 43% 34% 5.03 (0.96) 21. knowledge of global issues 1% 3% 7% 23% 40% 25% 4.72 (1.10) Note. n = 1709

18 9. Which of the following have you participated in while at Virginia Tech? (check all that apply) Internship, field experience, co-op, or practicum 63% Community service or volunteer work AS PART OF A COURSE 30% Community service or volunteer work OUTSIDE OF ANY COURSE REQUIREMENTS 71% University learning community 10% Note. n= Total may be greater than 100% due to multiple responses.

19 9. Which of the following have you participated in while at Virginia Tech? (Continued) Research project with a faculty member AS PART OF A COURSE/PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS 25% Research project with a faculty member 19% Study abroad 18% Attended a professional or scholarly meeting or conference 51% Gave a talk or exhibited your work at a professional, scholarly, cultural, or artistic conference or meeting 21% Note. n= Total may be greater than 100% due to multiple responses.

20 9. Which of the following have you participated in while at Virginia Tech? (Continued) Intramural sports 52% Intercollegiate sports 10% Organizations or clubs designed for people in your primary major 51% Other student organizations 51% Note. n= Total may be greater than 100% due to multiple responses.

21 10. What is your graduation date? December % May % Summer % Other 1% Note. n= 1691

22 11. What year did you first enter Virginia Tech? 2009 or later 4% % % % % 2004 or before 2% Note. n= 1691

23 12. How many classes have you taken for VT credit at other institutions (not counting AP and Dual Enrollment courses taken during high school)? 0 45% % % % % % More than 16 14% Note. n= 1691

24 13. How many times did you change your major? 0 57% 1 32% 2 8% 3 3% 4 or more 1% Note. n= 1691

25 14. If you changed your major at least once, please indicate the most important reason why you did so? I did not change my major 56% Academic difficulties in my previous major 3% Lack of interest in my previous major 9% More interest in subject matter of my new major 14% My new major was easier for me 1% My new major better fit my career goals 10% I can earn more money with a degree in my new major 1% Faculty reputation in my new major 0% Other 5% Note. n= 1691

26 15. Which of the following best describes your current GPA? Less than % % % % % % % % % Note. n= 1691

27 16. Your current age? 22 or younger 80% % % % % 36 or older 0% Note. n= 1691

28 17. What is your racial or ethnic background? African American 3% Asian/Pacific Islander 5% Hispanic/Latino 2% Native American 0% White (non-hispanic) 84% Multi-racial 2% None of the above categories 1% Prefer not to answer 3% Note. n= 1691

29 18. Your gender? Female 56% Male 44% Note. n= 1691

30 19. What is most likely to be your principal activity upon graduation? (check all that apply) Employment, full-time paid 58% Employment, part-time paid 5% Graduate or Professional School, fulltime Graduate or Professional School, parttime 27% 1% Additional undergraduate coursework 1% Military Service 3% Volunteer Activity (e.g., Peace Corps) 2% Starting or raising a family 0% Other 3% Note. n= Total may be greater than 100% due to multiple responses.

31 20. If you were to do it all over again Definitely no Probably no Probably yes Definitely yes University Mean (SD) would you attend Virginia Tech again? 2% 5% 23% 69% 3.60 (0.68) Note. n = 1691